The non-profit institution CompTIA - Computing Technology Industry Association - was formed in 1982. They have built through the years to become the leader in vendor neutral I.T. certification. This essentially means they're free to independently generate and monitor examinations and accreditations that are required by the IT sector, irrespective of a specific company's commercial interests. With today's move to inter connectivity and systems 'convergence', this is seen as a welcome step for the IT student, as it gives cross platform learning & a comprehension of integration. 'CompTIA' gathers together various commercial & learned industry groups when creating or up-dating an examination, to ensure all sides are considered & the most industry related syllabuses are created.

Both exams have fairly recently been subject to a 2009 update in line with CompTIA's efforts towards ISO standardisation. Worldwide the 2006/2007 versions of A+ (with the exam prefix 600) will be phased out over the next 12 months. In Britain, they cease being offered on August 31st 2010. As 2009 examinations ('700') are currently offered at test-centres regionally, these newer study programs are probably a more sensible preference for anyone just getting started. CompTIA 'A+' Essentials & 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application are the new examination titles (220/701 & 220/702 respectively). The principle modifications were a complete restructuring of the previous four examinations in to only two examinations, and the addition of some teaching on newer relevant technologies. Originally, the A+ was split into four examinations: one essential and three elective specialisations. But as the industry has moved on, the expertise from all 4 exams is actually deemed essential, & consequently has been condensed in to 2 required exams. 'CompTIA' also have introduced the 'BR-003' 'up-grade' examination, for trainees qualified under the '600' exams who need to up-date to the new '700' examinations. Additional training will undoubtedly be needed, particularly for many who only initially studied for two of the 4 'electives'. Plainly though the new technological subjects will have to be learned about.

CompTIA 'A+' & 'Network+' are by far and away the most commonly accepted of their certifications. These two, as a set, form the building blocks for many contemporary IT career tracks - & justly so . The CompTIA 'A+' certification covers the fundamentals of PC maintenance, support, security, installation, fault-finding and repair. In addition , it handles various personal & communication skills needed to get into IT. Expanding on this awareness, the N+ certification looks at networks, (which includes routers & servers) and describes how they communicate with each other. The very important challenge of 'Security' is introduced, & Wireless networks are reviewed at an introductory level. 'CompTIA' 'A+' and N+ provide a firm foundation for a systems career in IT, & furthermore a very good platform for other more more senior certification programs.

If you're focused on any of the following roles, the A+ will work well : I.T. Administrator, P.C. Technician, Remote Support Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician and Call Centre & Depot Technician. Career opportunities open up to include Network Installers, Administrators and Technicians for those who have the 'CompTIA' Network+ too.

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